Quick turnaround for Vasco who hosted Bahia on Monday when I spoke about how vital that was to their survival chances ...............

 

 

They will be boosted by a return to their traditional São Januário home after their last two home starts have been played in other Rio venues, last time their played here they beat Chapecoense 3-1 and they are very motivated for a repeat. Head coach Alberto Valentim who took charge last last month has had a full week to prepare his team for this and will be very mindful that their next three outings are on the road. Veteran Argentine striker Maxi Lopez who has two goals and four assists from his eight starts since arriving last month spoke about how vital the return to São Januário was, that the team were supermotivated for the win and that they had a very productive week on the training ground, he also added that only now did he feel 100% fit, despite his alreday big contribution. Vasco are one of the oldest and biggest clubs in Brazil, they have yo-yoed between A and B a bit too much in recent years, looked set to find some stability with a 7th place finish last season, but have been unable to build on that.  They do have a game in hand on almost everyone, two including this, so would be well positioned to survive if they can find the win today, but they will be under hugely increased pressure through a difficult stretch of games should they come up short. Vasco have not had the run of the ball in recent starts, being denied by the woodwork in each of their last three, a draw when they led for 30 minutes against a top 5 team and losing the other two, both on the road, by a single goal despite creating the better chances. Bruno Silva and Leandro DeSabato miss out for the hosts , but in a match where it is all about the win, this is more than offset by the return of top scorer Yago Pikachu from suspension.

 

Vasco battled hard to come from behind and win 2-1, they have three away games now, the third is a derby, the next two inside six days, this and then a trip to basement club Parana who are seemingly doomed and the latter clearly offers more and anything gained today has to be viewed as a bonus.We can expect rotation and to play with the trip to Curitiba firmly in mind. I speak so often about how difficult it is to win on the road in Brazil ( 17.37% away win rate in 2018) and picking your battles (games in which you give 100%) ,will it be easier to win at Parana who have a 3-6-4 record and scored just 9 home goals , or at Santos who are very strong at home , especially when you do you want to lessen your chances for the second game by leaving too much on the field in the first ? I spoke about Santo's prowess at home and good current form ahead of their last outing here a visit from league leaders Sao Paulo...........

 

 

That finished 0-0, but Santos were the better team and had nine attempts inside the box to the visitors two. Good point for SP, they were too cynical for my liking, but I was very impressed with Santos, they are quick in transition, with huge ability on both flanks and some silky passing moves. 17 yo wunderkind Rodrygo (#9) has already signed the deal which will take him to Real Madrid next July and looks a bargain for the Spanish giants, #10 Gabriel Barbosa , is still only 22 yo, can play a variety of offensive roles , has 13 goals to his name and it is odd that Internazionale allowed him out on loan again, both looked very good and you will get some idea of all this in these brief highlights.

 

 

 

 

Good Luck.